This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in French Island.
French Island is the largest island of the State of Victoria, Australia. French Island is a beautiful and secluded island that is mainly a protected national park. The island is also only accessible by passenger ferry from Stoney Point on the mainland, which has train connections from Melbourne. Ferries also arrive from Cowes on Phillip Island. The only cars on the island belong to the small number of island residents, so the only way to get around is on foot, bike, or by bus. The island is quite isolated and underdeveloped with no mains for power, water, or gas so every property has to create their own. The island also only has a small general store and post office, so bring anything important you may need with you.
Many different activities are available on the island, including lots of bushwalking opportunities through the national park with great views. Cycling around the island's roads is easily possible -- bikes are available from many accommodations or from the Tankerton General Store. French Island is also a great place to go bird watching or you can even visit an eco-farm or go on an adventure with some llamas. Horse riding and sea kayaking are also available. The island is also home to a very large population of koalas, so it is worth keeping an eye out for them.
Because of the remoteness of the island, only a small number of accommodations and hostels in French Island are available. Most options are also quite eco-conscious in the way they run their accommodations. The lack of restaurants means that most French Island hostels and guesthouses also can provide guests with meals for an extra charge and many places include the use of locally island grown produce, which is often organically grown. The hostels in French Island can be found within walking distance of the Tankerton Jetty where the ferry arrives or further inland on the Island where accommodations will pick you up with prior arrangement.
French Island is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves serenity and wilderness and can cope with some isolation for a couple of days -- you'll surely fall in love with the place.
Written by local enthusiast for French Island hostels
Keppers